February 11 - A Reasonable Faith - Part 2

 Read today’s texts first: Leviticus 15-17; Acts 18

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

When we give a “reason for the hope within us, “
let’s make sure it is reasonable and irrefutable. 

The reasoning continues in Acts 18, this time passing from Paul to Aquila and Priscilla, and then to Apollos (4,19,25,26,28).

The tedious task of stitching tent canvas allowed Paul many hours of training with fellow tent-makers, Aquila and Priscilla.  On a side note, notice how they were introduced to us with the husband’s name first (2), in typical Jewish fashion, but then later on by the wife’s name first (18; Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:19) – very atypical!  Priscilla apparently developed a prominent teaching gift and became more active in ministry than her husband.  So much for the view that believes Paul discriminated against women in ministry.  The strength of Priscilla and Aquila, like Paul, was sound, reasonable teaching.

Naturally they were drawn to Apollos, who was known for teaching about Jesus “accurately” (25), though he was limited to John’s mentorship.  After P & A finished enlightening him, he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ (28).  How does one prove Jesus is the Christ?  Frank Morrison, an agnostic lawyer, set out to disprove the resurrection of Jesus.  He was so changed by the overwhelming evidence for it that he became a Christian.  The book he finally wrote, entitled Who Moved the Stone, presents compelling arguments that prove the historical accuracy of Christ’s death and resurrection.

In sharp contrast to that kind of reasonable thinking is the way the Jehovah Witness community has misinterpreted today’s Leviticus reading on eating blood.  I remember when our B.C. government had to step in to save some of the sextuplets born to JW parents who refused their much-needed blood transfusions.  The command in Leviticus clearly concerns “eating blood” and the reasons are physical (health concerns) and spiritual (this was a ritual from the pagan idolatry of Israel’s enemies).  To allow innocent children to die unnecessarily over faulty exegesis is not only unreasonable, it’s criminal.  And it unfortunately brands every other Bible believer with the inaccurate notion that we are mindless and superstitious.

“Lord, may I follow the pattern set by Paul, Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos in presenting a reason for the hope I have within me.  It is a hope based on truth that is both reasonable and irrefutable.”